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Iceland Self-Drive Tour
Beautiful South with Blue Lagoon — 5-Day Self-Drive Iceland Tour
Waterfalls, volcanic coastlines, geysers, and a legendary geothermal lagoon — all at your own pace.
This Iceland South Coast self-drive tour takes you across five days of remarkable landscapes, from lava fields and thundering waterfalls to tectonic plate boundaries and the iconic Blue Lagoon, with the flexibility to explore Iceland entirely on your own schedule.
Starting at Keflavík Airport, you will collect your rental vehicle and immediately enter the volcanic scenery of the Reykjanes Peninsula before spending your first night in Reykjavík. The days that follow cover Iceland's most celebrated natural landmarks at a pace you control.
The itinerary balances dramatic coastal scenery on the South Coast, the cultural and geological weight of the Golden Circle, and the geothermal wonders of Reykjanes, concluding with an optional soak at the Blue Lagoon before your return flight.
Accommodation options range from guesthouses and three-star equivalent hotels under the Classic category to four-star hotels and the best available countryside properties under the Quality category, all in standard rooms.
Tour Highlights
Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall and stand beneath the curtain of falling water for a perspective few natural sites can offer.
Photograph the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, framed by towering basalt columns and powerful North Atlantic surf.
Walk across the Bridge Between Continents on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly meet.
Watch Strokkur geyser erupt at the Geysir geothermal area and feel the heat rising from Iceland's restless interior.
Relax at the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, set within a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula (bathing fee is an optional extra).
Explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking Iceland's historical parliament grounds and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Drive Iceland's legendary Golden Circle route, connecting Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss in a single unforgettable day.
Itinerary
1
Arrival — Reykjanes Peninsula to Reykjavík
Collect your rental car at Keflavík Airport and drive through the moss-covered lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Arrive in Reykjavík for your first night in the Icelandic capital. Driving: approximately 50 km.
2
South Coast — Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, and Vík
Head east along the South Coast to visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the dramatic promontory of Dyrhólaey, and the striking black sand beach at Reynisfjara. The day ends with a scenic stop in the village of Vík before returning to the Hveragerði/Selfoss area. Driving: approximately 350 km.
3
Golden Circle — Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and Flúðir
Drive the iconic Golden Circle, visiting Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area with its active Strokkur geyser, and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. A stop in Flúðir, known for its geothermal hot springs, rounds out the loop before returning to Selfoss. Driving: approximately 200 km.
4
Reykjanes Peninsula — Blue Lagoon, Gunnuhver, and Reykjanestá
Visit Strandarkirkja Church, the geothermal colours of Seltún, and the coastal town of Grindavík before stopping at the Blue Lagoon (bathing fee optional). Continue to the Brimketill lava rock pool, the steaming Gunnuhver geothermal area, and the historic Reykjanesviti Lighthouse before driving through lava fields back to Reykjavík. Driving: approximately 200 km.
5
Departure — Reykjavík to Keflavík Airport
Check out of your Reykjavík accommodation and drive to Keflavík International Airport to return your rental car and complete your Icelandic journey. Driving: approximately 50 km.
What Is Included
Included
Rental car for the duration of the tour (choice of vehicle types available)
4 nights accommodation in guesthouses or hotels depending on chosen category
Detailed self-drive route guidance and itinerary documentation
Flexibility to travel at your own pace throughout all destinations
Not Included
Flights to and from Iceland
Blue Lagoon bathing fee (optional extra)
Fuel costs for the rental vehicle
Meals and personal expenses
Travel insurance
Any attraction entrance fees not listed as included
Important Information
This is a self-drive tour. You are responsible for navigating between destinations using the provided itinerary. Road and weather conditions in Iceland can change rapidly; always check forecasts before driving.
Duration
5 days, beginning at Keflavík Airport on arrival day and concluding with car return at Keflavík on day 5.
Meeting Point
Keflavík International Airport, where you collect your rental car upon landing and begin the route immediately.
What to Bring
Waterproof outerwear, layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, and a valid driving licence. Iceland's weather is variable regardless of season.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms vary by booking; please review the specific policy provided at the time of reservation before confirming your booking.
Accessibility
This tour involves walking on uneven terrain, including black sand beaches, lava paths, and waterfall trails. It may not be suitable for all mobility levels.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. The difficulty level is rated Easy, making it accessible for families and older travellers, though some walking is required at each stop.
Ready to Drive Iceland?
Secure your self-drive package and explore Iceland's South Coast, Golden Circle, and Reykjanes Peninsula on your own terms.
Do I need a special driving licence to rent a car in Iceland? ▼
A standard driving licence from your home country is accepted in Iceland for most vehicle categories. If you are renting a 4WD vehicle, ensure your licence permits that class. An international driving permit is recommended if your licence is not in Roman script.
Is the Blue Lagoon entrance included in the tour price? ▼
No, the Blue Lagoon bathing fee is listed as an optional extra and must be paid separately. Advance booking is strongly recommended as entry slots sell out well in advance.
What types of vehicles are available for this self-drive tour? ▼
Available options include the Suzuki Jimny (4WD, 2 passengers), Toyota Aygo (2WD, 4 passengers), Kia Ceed (2WD, 5 passengers), Dacia Duster (4WD, 5 passengers), and Kia Sportage (4WD, automatic, 5 passengers). Contact the operator for other vehicle types or sizes.
What is the difference between the Classic and Quality accommodation categories? ▼
The Classic category includes guesthouses and three-star equivalent hotels. The Quality category upgrades to four-star hotels in Reykjavík and the best available hotels in countryside locations. All rooms are standard in both categories.
Are the roads on this route suitable for a standard 2WD vehicle? ▼
The itinerary follows Ring Road and main paved roads, which are generally accessible to 2WD vehicles in good conditions. However, weather and season can affect road safety, and a 4WD vehicle provides greater confidence and traction, particularly in winter months.
Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall year-round? ▼
The path behind Seljalandsfoss is typically accessible from late spring through autumn. In winter, the path is often closed due to ice and safety risks. Check local conditions before visiting.
Iceland Self-DriveSouth Coast IcelandGolden Circle TourBlue LagoonReykjanes PeninsulaSeljalandsfossReynisfjara BeachGullfoss WaterfallÞingvellir National ParkIceland Road TripReykjavíkIceland Waterfalls
This tour operates entirely within Iceland, covering four distinct geographic zones. Day 1 and Day 4 focus on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, a UNESCO Global Geopark known for its active volcanic landscape, geothermal vents, and proximity to Keflavík International Airport. Day 2 travels along Iceland's South Coast, a corridor stretching southeast from Selfoss toward Vík í Mýrdal, passing beneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and alongside the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Day 3 follows the Golden Circle, a roughly 300-kilometre loop north and east of Reykjavík that connects Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge), the Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur valley, and Gullfoss waterfall on the Hvítá river. Accommodation is based in Reykjavík on nights 1 and 4, and in the Hveragerði and Selfoss area on nights 2 and 3, both within easy reach of the South Coast and Golden Circle attractions.
Type: Self-Drive Tour | Region: Iceland — Reykjanes Peninsula, South Coast, Golden Circle, Reykjavík | Duration: 5 Days | Difficulty: Easy | Season: Year-Round | Transportation: Rental Car (2WD and 4WD options) | Accommodation: Guesthouses / 3-Star to 4-Star Hotels | Key Attractions: Blue Lagoon, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Reykjanestá
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